For teeth that are broken, fractured, or at risk of breaking, your dentist will likely recommend a protective crown to restore and protect the tooth. At Northgate Station Comprehensive Dentistry, we work with labs that use state-of-the-art technology to create crowns that look and feel like real teeth.
The goal of a dental crown is to protect and preserve as much of the original tooth as possible. If a significant amount of the tooth remains intact, your dentist may recommend a partial crown called an onlay that only covers the part of the tooth that needs protection.
Today, dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. One of the most common types of crowns is porcelain fused to metal that resembles a real tooth in both appearance and strength. Depending on the tooth, as well as the patient’s preferences, a crown can also be made of porcelain, ceramic, gold, or a variety of non-precious metals. Using both a physical exam and 3-D imaging, your dentist at Northgate Station Dentistry will let you know what type of crown is the best fit for your tooth.
A dental crown begins by filing the existing tooth to make room for the crown and create a surface for the crown to adhere to. If the break extends below the gum line, a root canal may be recommended to guard against infection. Once the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is placed on your tooth while a mold of your tooth is sent to a lab to create your permanent crown. When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the Northgate Station Dentistry offices to have it installed. In most cases, your new crown will look and feel like a natural tooth, and with proper care it can last for more than 10 years.
The Drs. at Northgate Station Dentistry are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your oral health. We also use state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best treatment. For a consultation about a dental crown or other dental health needs, please call Northgate Station Comprehensive Dentistry at 470-695-3534 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online consultation request form.
